Belgium/Ces jeunes qui choisent de faire un service citoyen
If she did not have a blue T-shirt with the words "citizen service", Roxane would pass for a nurse like any other. But since the beginning of the year, the young woman has in fact been a volunteer in the home for the elderly of the CPAS of Tournai. A step that she herself wanted to take, like nearly 1500 young people before her in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
"I needed human contact, to meet people," explains Roxane in the middle of work. Today, she offers a manicure activity to the residents of the 3rd floor. The young woman pampers her elders. "I like to be in the company of the elderly," she continues. They are wise people, who have lived through life."
"Devoted young people like her, we need more."
Under the supervision of Aline, the nurse, Roxane goes from room to room. "I ask them their life project, what they like... This week, we also organized a morning board games."
Danielle is tempted by a small hand massage with essential oils proposed by the young volunteer. "She is a very human person, she understands us," explains the resident of the rest home. It feels good because sometimes we feel isolated. Devoted young people like her, we need more."
Roxane will spend 6 months within the walls of the nursing home. In addition to meetings, she will retain experience. This citizen service may be the beginning of a vocation. Frankly, all young people should go through a civic service because it's really nice," confides the young woman already convinced. You learn other things, you get to know new people..."
A plus for the nursing home as well
Here the young woman is already considered a staff member. In the sensitive context of the health crisis, she must moreover undergo a weekly covid test, like all the others.
For the social worker of the nursing home in Tournai Audrey Disy, Roxane's presence brings a plus: "It's a little bubble of air, a little youth in our house, new projects and an outside view."
Currently there are 250 young people between 18 and 25 years to perform a citizen service in French-speaking Belgium. This service can be done in four main areas: assistance to people, access to culture, the environment and sports.
Source: www.rtbf.be
